Movies About Strong Women

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is an Academy Award-winning animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Chihiro, a 10 year-old girl who finds herself lost in a strange and mysterious world after her family accidentally stumbles upon an abandoned theme park. With the help of a mysterious boy, Haku, Chihiro must find a way to free herself and her family from the spirit world, and to do so she must work for Yubaba, the witch who rules the land. Along the way she makes friends with an assortment of eccentric characters, all while discovering the power of friendship and courage. In the end, she is able to use her resourcefulness, kindness, and bravery to help her family and save the spirit world.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 American science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, and Edward Furlong. The film is a sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator, and follows Sarah Connor (Hamilton) and her ten-year-old son John (Furlong) as they are pursued by a new, more advanced Terminator (Patrick), sent back in time to kill John Connor and prevent him from becoming the leader of the human resistance. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as a reprogrammed Terminator, sent to protect John and Sarah. The film follows Sarah and John as they are chased across the country by the new Terminator, while trying to stay one step ahead of the unstoppable machine. Along the way, they enlist the help of a friendly T-800 Terminator, who helps them battle the advanced T-1000. Ultimately, Sarah must face her destiny to protect her son from the forces of the future, and the trio must find a way to stop the T-1000 before it can succeed in its mission.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror film about an FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, who is tasked with enlisting the help of the imprisoned forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, in order to catch another serial killer, "Buffalo Bill". Clarice must face her fears and confront Lecter as she attempts to gain insight into the psychopathology of “Buffalo Bill” and his motives. As Clarice and Lecter build a strange relationship, they find themselves in a race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, and John Hurt. The plot follows the crew of a commercial space tug, Nostromo, as they encounter the eponymous Alien, a deadly and aggressive extraterrestrial set loose on the ship. The crew attempts to fight off the creature using makeshift weapons while attempting to escape, but ultimately all but one crewmember is killed. The film was praised for its production design, atmosphere, and visual effects, as well as its writing and direction. It is regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time, and has spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie (Audrey Tautou) is an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love. After finding a lost treasure belonging to the former occupant of her apartment, she decides to return it to him. On her quest, she encounters a variety of characters, including the mysterious and handsome Nino Quincampoix and her own guardian angel, who she follows along the way. Along with her quirky and imaginative adventures, Amélie falls in love with the man of her dreams and discovers her own path in life.

From Fritz Lang, starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
Rated Not Rated

Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction drama film directed by Fritz Lang. Set in a futuristic urban dystopia, the film follows Freder, the wealthy son of the city's master, who falls in love with a working-class revolutionary named Maria. When Freder discovers that a dark force is planning to use Maria and her followers to stop the city's machines and bring chaos, he must work together with his father and a mad scientist to save the city and help its workers. The film's breathtaking visuals, elaborate art deco sets, and groundbreaking special effects have made it one of the most influential films ever made.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film follows "The Bride" (Uma Thurman), a former assassin seeking revenge on her former employer, Bill (David Carradine). After being betrayed, attacked, and left for dead on her wedding day, The Bride embarks on a mission to kill every member of her former assassination squad. Along the way, she encounters and fights assassins sent by Bill, including the deadly copper O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu). The Bride eventually reaches Bill and their climactic final confrontation.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film set in post-Civil War Spain in 1944. It tells the story of Ofelia, a young girl who is caught between the world of fantasy and the brutal reality of her stepfather, the military captain Vidal. After meeting a mysterious faun in an overgrown labyrinth, Ofelia embarks on a quest to complete three dangerous tasks in order to reclaim her rightful place as the rightful princess of a magical kingdom. Along the way, she must confront monsters, dark forces, and her own inner demons in a desperate attempt to save her family and herself. The film explores themes of innocence, perseverance, and the struggle between good and evil.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a classic anime movie from 1988 directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, as they move with their father to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother. While exploring their new home, they discover magical creatures called Totoros and befriend them. With the help of the Totoros and various other forest creatures, the sisters embark on a journey of discovery, adventure, and joy. Along the way, they learn the importance of family and the power of nature. The movie celebrates the beauty of childhood and the wonders of everyday life.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is an action-packed post-apocalyptic thriller set in the distant future. In this fourth installment of the Mad Max franchise, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) joins forces with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to take on the tyrannical ruler Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Together, they embark on a hazardous journey across the desert wasteland in a vehicular battle to reclaim freedom. With incredible stunts, stunning visuals, and a fast-paced narrative, Mad Max: Fury Road is an exhilarating thrill-ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is an action thriller film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, and the second installment in the Kill Bill franchise. It follows "The Bride" (Uma Thurman) as she continues her quest for revenge against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Along the way, she discovers the truth about her past and the true identity of her daughter's father. The Bride must ultimately confront her former master, Bill (David Carradine), in a climactic showdown. With an eclectic mix of martial arts, humor and drama, Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is an exciting and enthralling sequel to the first film.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Rated PG

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a 1984 Japanese animated post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and based on his 1982 manga of the same name. Set in a future post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Nausicaä, a young princess of the Valley of the Wind, as she works to prevent two warring nations from destroying the Earth and its environment. As Nausicaä fights to protect the Valley and its inhabitants, she discovers a deeper connection to the toxic jungle that blankets the planet. Along the way, she befriends creatures like the Ohmu, giant insects from the jungle, and uses her understanding of the environment to prevent a global disaster.

From Directors: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi, starring Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, Danielle Darrieux
Rated PG-13

Persepolis is the story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Through a series of vignettes, we follow Marjane, a precocious and outspoken young girl, as she comes of age in a country plagued by political upheaval. With the overthrow of the Shah and the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini, Marjane and her family face the challenges of life in a new repressive government imposed upon them. Marjane must deal with the restrictions of a fundamentalist regime while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life. As the war with Iraq progresses, Marjane is forced to face difficult choices and grapple with the possibility of a new life in Europe. Persepolis is an evocative and captivating look at a remarkable young girl's journey through a tumultuous period in recent Iranian history.

From Mamoru Oshii, starring Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi, Akio Ôtsuka, Kôichi Yamadera
Rated TV-MA

Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 cyberpunk anime film directed by Mamoru Oshii and based on the manga of the same name. Set in 2029, the film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, the cyborg leader of a covert ops section of the Japanese National Security Agency. The team is on the hunt for the mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master, who has been hijacking the brains of cyborgs. As Motoko investigates, she begins to unravel the secrets behind her own existence and the true nature of the Puppet Master. With impressive visuals and a thought-provoking story, Ghost in the Shell questions the nature of personal identity in a world of ever-evolving technology.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish thriller film directed by Niels Arden Oplev. The story revolves around journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a wealthy member of the Vanger family whose uncle believes she was murdered. Blomkvist and Salander uncover a terrifying history of abuse and murder, as well as a shocking link between Harriet and the Vanger family. As the investigation progresses, a psychological cat-and-mouse game ensues between Blomkvist and a powerful figure within the Vanger family. The two ultimately uncover a dark and disturbing secret that has the potential to ruin lives.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Kirsten Dunst, Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Kappei Yamaguchi
Rated G

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a classic animated film from 1989 directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of a young witch, Kiki, who leaves home with her talking cat Jiji to begin her training in witchcraft. Kiki arrives in a seaside town, where she starts a delivery service. She faces various challenges, such as learning to fly her broomstick and making friends with the locals. Along the way, Kiki discovers the importance of friendship, confidence, and hard work. With the help of her newfound friends, Kiki finds the courage to confront her fears and complete her training. The film is a heart-warming story of self-discovery and courage.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña, Antonia San Juan
Rated R

All About My Mother is a 1999 Spanish drama written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows Manuela, a single mother whose son is tragically killed in an accident. Grief-stricken, Manuela sets out on a journey to find the father of her son and reconnect with her estranged family. Along the way, she meets a variety of people that help her come to terms with her grief, including a nun, a transsexual, a pregnant teenager and an actress. As Manuela's journey continues, she discovers how fragile the bonds of family and friendship can be and learns to accept the losses in her life.

From J.J. Abrams, starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is the seventh installment in the Star Wars saga and the first of the sequel trilogy, directed by J.J. Abrams. The film is set approximately 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows Rey, a scavenger from a desert planet, Finn, a stormtrooper defector, and Poe Dameron, a Resistance X-wing fighter pilot who, with the help of Han Solo and Chewbacca, team up to search for Luke Skywalker and fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order, a military faction descended from the Galactic Empire. With the help of the Resistance, Rey, Finn and Poe embark on a quest to find the missing Luke Skywalker and stop the dark forces of the First Order from conquering the galaxy. Along the way, they discover the power of the Force and uncover ancient secrets about the past.

From Henry Selick, starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders
Rated PG

Coraline is a stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name. The movie follows a curious and adventurous 11-year-old girl named Coraline who discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her own reality. In this new world, she finds loving parents and wonderful new friends, but soon discovers a dark secret lurking beneath the surface. Forced to confront her fears and uncover the truth, Coraline must find the courage to protect her family and save her other world from the mysterious Other Mother. With the help of her new friends, Coraline embarks on a thrilling adventure beyond her wildest dreams.

From Sylvain Chomet, starring Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin, Monica Viegas
Rated PG-13

The Triplets of Belleville is a French animated comedy-drama film directed by Sylvain Chomet. It tells the story of Madame Souza, an elderly woman living in an isolated house with her beloved dog, Bruno. When Bruno is kidnapped by a group of mysterious mobsters, Madame Souza and her faithful companion, Champion the cyclist, embark on a perilous journey to the bustling city of Belleville. There, they enlist the help of the triplets of Belleville, a group of eccentric and vivacious vaudeville singers, to help find Bruno and prevent the mobsters from carrying out their evil plan. Along the way, they must confront the dark secrets of Belleville and ultimately face the forces of corruption. With its unique mix of animation, music, and humor, The Triplets of Belleville is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the heart and soul of a lost era.

From Jon Avnet, starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker
Rated PG-13

Fried Green Tomatoes is a 1991 comedy-drama directed by Jon Avnet. The film tells the story of two women, Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) and Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy). Evelyn is a bored housewife having difficulty connecting with her husband, while Ninny is an elderly woman living in a nursing home. When Evelyn visits Ninny, she hears about the inspiring life of Ninny's best friend, Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson). Idgie and her husband, Big George (Stan Shaw), run a nightclub in the small Southern town of Whistle Stop in the 1930s. Ninny recounts the story of Idgie and Big George's adventures, including their involvement in a struggle against a racist sheriff and Idgie's defense of a black man accused of a crime he didn't commit. Idgie and Big George also run a successful restaurant, and the restaurant becomes a gathering place for the local community. The film follows the struggles of Idgie and Big George to support their community and protect each other from outside forces. At the end of the film, Evelyn finds the courage to stand up to her husband and be more independent.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery
Rated PG-13

The Color Purple is a 1985 American film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. The story follows the life of a young African-American woman named Celie, living in rural Georgia in the early 1900s. It chronicles her struggles with poverty, racism, sexism, and abuse, as she matures and eventually finds her own path to strength and independence. Along the way, she forms strong friendships with two other women, Shug Avery and Sofia, and finds the courage to stand up for her rights. The Color Purple is a moving tale of courage, resilience and redemption.

From Marc Rothemund, starring Julia Jentsch, Fabian Hinrichs, Alexander Held, Johanna Gastdorf
Rated Not Rated

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005) tells the story of Sophie Scholl, a young German college student who was a member of the Nazi resistance group White Rose during World War II. After the group is discovered distributing anti-Nazi leaflets, Sophie and her brother Hans are arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo. Despite facing extreme pressure, Sophie courageously refuses to compromise her beliefs or rat out her friends. Through flashbacks, viewers gain insight into Sophie's past and how she came to be part of the White Rose. The film is a powerful testament to Sophie's bravery in the face of certain death, and an important reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of tyranny.

From Matthew Vaughn, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Garrett M. Brown
Rated R

Kick-Ass is a 2010 superhero action comedy film directed by Matthew Vaughn based on the comic book of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. The film follows the story of Dave Lizewski, an average teenage boy who decides to become a superhero, despite having no powers. He adopts the persona of Kick-Ass and gets caught up in a world of organized crime and vigilantism. After forming a small group of superheroes, Kick-Ass and his team must face off against a vengeful mob boss and his team of super-villains. Along the way, Dave learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cost of standing up for what is right.

From Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook, starring Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer
Rated G

Mulan is a 1998 animated musical adventure film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook. It is based on the Chinese folklore “The Ballad of Mulan” and is a re-telling of a legendary folk heroine from Ancient China. The film follows the adventures of a young Chinese woman, Fa Mulan, who disguises herself as a male to take her elderly father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army. The emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Chinese Army to defend the country from the Huns. When Fa Mulan is pressured to comply with the law, she decides to take her father's place, disguising herself as a man. With help from her dragon, Mushu, and a lucky cricket, she must battle against the Huns and prove her worth in the army. With the help of her fellow soldiers, she earns the respect of her comrades and saves China from the Huns.